Reservoir-less vaping-alternative devices and related methods

ABSTRACT

Described herein are reservoir-less vaping-alternative devices. A device may include a housing defining a first cavity therein and including a valve assembly. The first cavity of the housing is in fluid communication with an environment external to the housing via the valve assembly. A device may further include a cap defining a second cavity and a first end defining a first aperture, and a second end defining a second aperture. The first end is for interaction with a mouth of a user and the second end is reversibly couplable to the housing. The cap cavity is in fluid communication with the housing cavity when the second end of the cap is coupled to the housing. A device may further include at least one wick pre-soaked in a fluid and positioned in the cap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/079,181, filed Sep. 16, 2020, the contents ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specificationare herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if eachindividual publication or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of leisure activitiesand/or recreational activities, and more specifically to the field ofvaping. Described herein are reservoir-less devices and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Vaping, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, etc. are increasinglycommon and dangerous. In 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S middle and highschool students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. In 2017, 2.8percent of U.S. adults were current e-cigarette users. However, thedangers of vaping are ever increasing.

E-cigarette devices can explode causing serious bodily injury, fires,and even death in some instances. Further, the composition of the liquidin e-cigarettes has led to children and adults being poisoned byswallowing, breathing, or absorbing the e-cigarette liquid through theirskin or eyes. Concerningly, a 2018 National Academy of Medicine reportfound that there was some evidence that e-cigarette use increases thefrequency and amount of cigarette smoking in the future.

Despite these negative effects, e-cigarette use provides community, asusers congregate together to share e-cigarettes and stories, andapparent stress relief as well as satisfying oral fixation tendencies.Further, e-cigarettes were originally sold as a safe alternative tocigarettes resulting in their widespread adoption.

Accordingly, there exists a need for safe alternatives to cigarettes,vaping, and e-cigarettes.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is a reservoir-lessvaping-alternative device including a housing defining a first cavitytherein and including a valve assembly. In some embodiments, the firstcavity is in fluid communication with an environment external to thehousing via the valve assembly. The device further includes a capdefining a second cavity and including a first end defining a firstaperture, the first end being configured for interaction with a mouth ofa user, and a second end defining a second aperture, the second endbeing reversibly couplable to the housing. In some embodiments, thesecond cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity when thesecond end is coupled to the housing. The device further includes atleast one wick configured to be pre-soaked in a fluid and positioned inthe cap.

In some embodiments, the housing further includes a base that includesthe valve assembly.

In some embodiments, the base and the housing are monolithic.

In some embodiments, the base is on an opposing end of the housing,opposite the cap when the cap is coupled to the housing.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a valve, a bottomportion configured to support the valve, and a top portion configured toapply a compressive force to the valve positioned between the top andbottom portions.

In some embodiments, the valve is configured to open or close uponapplication of a partial vacuum force through the first aperture definedby the first end of the cap.

In some embodiments, application of the partial vacuum force isconfigured to open the valve to produce an audible sound.

In some embodiments, the partial vacuum force has a pressure that rangesfrom about 0.005 to about 0.03 MPa, from about 0.008 to about 0.025 MPa,from about 0.01 to about 0.02 MPa.

In some embodiments, the valve includes a pressure valve.

In some embodiments, the valve includes silicone.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly is configured to allow air toenter the first cavity and the second cavity to interact with the atleast one wick and exit the first end of the cap when the cap is coupledto the housing and the partial vacuum force is applied to the firstaperture defined by the first end of the cap.

In some embodiments, the cap further includes at least one slotconfigured to receive the at least one wick.

In some embodiments, the cap includes a plurality of sidewalls thatdefine the first cavity and connect the first end to the second end.

In some embodiments, the cap further includes at least one slotconfigured to receive the at least one wick, such that the at least oneslot is coupled to an inner surface of at least one of the plurality ofsidewalls.

In some embodiments, the device includes two wicks.

In some embodiments, the cap includes two slots, each configured toreceive a wick therein, such that each slot is coupled to an innersurface of opposing sidewalls.

In some embodiments, the at least one wick includes condensed cotton.

In some embodiments, the fluid is selected from the group consisting of:an extract, an essential oil, an alcohol, a base, or a combinationthereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method ofassembling a reservoir-less vaping device, including providing a device;soaking the at least one wick in a fluid; inserting the at least onewick in the cap of the device; and the cap to the housing.

In some embodiments, the device includes a housing defining a firstcavity therein, the housing including a valve assembly in fluidcommunication with an environment external to the housing. In someembodiments, the device includes a cap defining a second cavity andincluding: a first end defining a first aperture, the first end beingconfigured for interaction with a mouth of a user, and a second enddefining a second aperture, the second end being reversibly couplable tothe housing. In some embodiments, the second cavity is in fluidcommunication with the first cavity when the second end is coupled tothe housing.

In some embodiments, soaking further includes soaking the at least onewick in about 1 to about 10 drops of the fluid.

In some embodiments, the cap further includes at least one slot positionon an inner surface of the cap and configured to receive the at leastone wick, such that inserting includes inserting the at least one wickin the at least one slot in the cap of the device.

In some embodiments, inserting includes securing the at least one wickin the at least one slot, such that when air flows through the first andsecond cavities, the wick is retained by the at least one slot.

In some embodiments, coupling includes snapping the second end of thecap to the housing.

In some embodiments, the housing further includes a base that includesthe valve assembly, such that the method includes bonding the base tothe housing.

In some embodiments, providing the device includes producing the housingand the cap via injection molding.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a reservoir-lessvaping-alternative device comprising a monolithic housing comprising afirst and second end and defining a cavity therebetween. In someembodiments, the first end defines a first aperture being configured forinteraction with a mouth of a user. In some embodiments, the second enddefines a second aperture being configured to couple with a valveassembly. In some embodiments, the cavity is in fluid communication withan environment external to the monolithic housing via the valveassembly.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly comprises a valve, a bottomportion configured to support the valve, and a top portion configured toapply a compressive force to the valve positioned between the top andbottom portions.

In some embodiments, the valve comprises a deformable aperture thatflexes and opens when an at least partial vacuum force is applied to thevalve.

In some embodiments, the valve comprises one or more aperturesconfigured to communicate with the external environment.

In some embodiments, the external environment enters the cavity when atleast partial vacuum force is applied to the first end.

In some embodiments, the at least partial vacuum force has a pressurethat ranges from about 0.005 to about 0.03 MPa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. Theabove-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, andadvantages of the present technology are described below in connectionwith various embodiments, with reference made to the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of avaping-alternative device.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a cap of avaping-alternative device.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the cap of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates another embodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternativedevice.

FIG. 2D illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a cap of thevaping-alternative device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective side view of another embodiment of acap of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first end view of the cap of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4A illustrates a second end view of one embodiment of a cap of avaping-alternative device.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second end view of the cap of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second end of the cap of FIG.2A.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a first end of the cap of FIG.2A.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a housing ofa vaping-alternative-alternative device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the housing of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a base of the housing of FIG.7.

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a valveassembly of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 10B illustrates another embodiment of a bottom portion of a valveassembly of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve ofa vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of a bottom portion of the valveassembly of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the bottom portion of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13A illustrates a bottom view of a top portion of the valveassembly of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 13B illustrates a perspective view of the top portion of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an interaction between a topportion and a bottom portion of a valve assembly.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of avaping-alternative device.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of avaping-alternative device.

FIG. 17 illustrates another perspective view of the vaping-alternativedevice of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 illustrates a second end perspective view of a cap of thevaping-alternative device of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 illustrates a first end perspective view of the cap of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a top portion of a valveassembly of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom portion complementaryto the top portion of a valve assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates a second end perspective view of another embodimentof a cap of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 23 illustrates a first end perspective view of the cap of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of avaping-alternative device.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the vaping-alternative deviceof FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of a valve of the vaping-alternativedevice of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of a valve holder of thevaping-alternative device of FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 illustrates a second end view of another embodiment of a cap ofa vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 29 illustrates a first end view of the cap of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 illustrates a method of assembling a reservoir-lessvaping-alternative device.

FIG. 31A illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of abottom portion of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 31B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom portion ofFIG. 31A.

FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 33A illustrates a bottom perspective view of another embodiment ofa valve of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 33B illustrates a top perspective view of the valve of FIG. 33A.

FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.

FIG. 35A illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of atop portion of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 34.

FIG. 35B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the top portion ofFIG. 35A.

FIG. 36A illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of abottom portion of the vaping-alternative device of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom portion ofFIG. 36A.

The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended tolimit the disclosure. The schematics are drawn to illustrate featuresand concepts and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. Theabove-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, andadvantages of the present technology will now be described in connectionwith various embodiments. The inclusion of the following embodiments isnot intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments, but rather toenable any person skilled in the art to make and use the contemplatedinvention(s). Other embodiments may be utilized, and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented herein. Aspects of the disclosure, as described andillustrated herein, can be arranged, combined, modified, and designed ina variety of different formulations, all of which are explicitlycontemplated and form part of this disclosure.

Disclosed herein are reservoir-less devices and related methods. As usedherein, reservoir-less means that the device is not configured to storea liquid in a reservoir, container, or otherwise.

In some embodiments, the devices described herein may be operationalwithout circuits, electronics, heating means to generate vapor, etc.such that the device does not present an explosion or fire hazard orrisk.

In some embodiments, the devices described herein use non-toxic,non-chemical, and/or non-nicotine flavorings to simulate a vapingexperience. The liquid used on the wicks may be natural, organic, pure,raw, etc. For example, the flavoring may include mango, blue raspberry,minty watermelon, mint, watermelon, apple, banana, caramel, spearmint,peppermint, or any other flavoring known to one of skill in the art.

As used herein, fluid includes a substance that has no fixed shape andyields easily to external pressure, for example a gas or a liquid. Assuch, fluid communication, as used herein, includes fluid flow orexchange between two or more spaces, cavities, etc.

As used herein, vapor includes a substance diffused or suspended in theair, especially one normally liquid or solid. The vapor may be formed bya user applying at least a partial vacuum pressure to a fluid-soakedwick, such that air is drawn through the wick and at least partiallyproduces a vapor from the fluid in the wick.

In general, as shown and described herein, a vaping-alternative devicemay include a housing defining a first cavity therein and including avalve assembly therein. The first cavity is in fluid communication withan environment external to the housing via the valve assembly. Theexternal environment may include atmospheric air; air around a user ofthe vaping-alternative device; air in a room or structure in which theuser resides, etc. Further, a vaping-alternative device includes a capdefining a second cavity that is in fluid communication with the firstcavity defined by the housing when the cap is coupled to the housing. Insome embodiments, the cap and housing are separate components that arereversibly couplable to one another; in other embodiments, the cap andhousing form a monolithic component such that they are irreversiblycoupled. In some embodiments, a cap includes a first end defining afirst aperture, and a second end defining a second aperture. The firstend is configured for interaction with a mouth of a user, for examplevia applying suction, biting, applying pressure, etc. The second end ofthe cap may be reversibly couplable to the housing. For example, amanufacturer, when assembling the device, may couple a cap to thehousing. In other embodiments, a user may couple a cap to a housing ormay exchange a first cap for a second cap, and therefore remove oruncouple the first cap from the housing and attach or couple the secondcap to the housing. Alternatively, the cap and housing are provided as amonolithic body. Further, a vaping-alternative device may include atleast one wick configured to be pre-soaked in a fluid. After pre-soakingor before pre-soaking, the at least one wick may be positioned in thecap, either by a manufacturer or by a user. The following figures showvarious examples and embodiments of vaping-alternative devices asdescribed herein.

Described herein are vaping-alternative kits. In some embodiments, a kitmay include one or more caps and one or more housings. The kit mayoptionally include one or more wicks inserted into the one or more capsor the one or more wicks may need to be inserted by a user before use,such that the one or more wicks are provided separately in the kit. Theone or more caps and/or one or more housings may be of different sizes,shapes, colors, etc. such that a user may select which cap to use.Further, the one or more wicks may come pre-soaked in a fluid (e.g.,flavoring), or the kit may include one or more fluids in which to soakthe one or more wicks.

As shown and described herein, any cap may be configured to work withany housing, base, wick, or valve assembly; any housing may beconfigured to work with any cap, base, wick, or valve assembly; any basemay be configured to work with any housing cap, wick, or valve assembly;any wick (i.e., pre-soaked or unsoaked) may be configured to work withany cap, housing, base, or valve assembly; and/or any valve assembly maybe configured to work with any cap, housing, base, or wick.

In any of the described embodiments, a cap may couple to a housing via asnap-fit connection, threaded connection, hinged connection, slidingconnection, pressure seal, latching mechanism, or any other connectionor coupling mechanism known to one of skill in the art. Alternatively,any one or more of the cap, housing, top portion of the valve assembly,bottom portion of the valve assembly, or valve of the valve assembly maybe formed as a monolithic structure such that swapping betweencomponents is limited.

As shown and described herein, an overall vaping-alternative deviceheight may be between about 5 cm to about 20 cm, about 7 cm to about 12cm, about 10 cm to about 12 cm, about 8 cm to about 11 cm, orsubstantially 10 cm. A width of a housing of a vaping-alternative devicemay be about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm, about 1 cm to about 4 cm, about 1 cmto about 3 cm, about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm, or substantially 2 cm. Adepth of a housing of a vaping-alternative device may be about 0.25 cmto about 1 cm, about 0.5 cm to about 0.75 cm, or substantially 0.5 cm. Abase of a vaping-alternative device may have a diameter or width ofabout 1.5 cm to about 4 cm, about 2 cm to about 3 cm, about 2.3 cm toabout 2.5 cm, or substantially 2.3 cm, substantially 2.4 cm, orsubstantially 2.5 cm.

As shown and described herein, a volume defined by a cap of avaping-alternative device may be in the range of between about 1250 mm³to about 1350 mm³, about 1300 mm³ to about 1400 mm³, about 1320 mm³ toabout 1350 mm³, or substantially 1340 mm³. A volume defined by a housingof a vaping-alternative device may be in the range of between about16000 mm³ to about 17000 mm³, about 16300 mm³ to about 16500 mm³, about16700 mm³ to about 17200 mm³, or substantially 16900 mm³. A volumedefined by a combined bottom portion and top portion (in which the valvesits) of a vaping-alternative device may be in the range of betweenabout 1850 mm³ to about 1950 mm³, about 1880 mm³ to about 1920 mm³,about 1900 mm³ to about 1920 mm³, or substantially 1910 mm³. A volume ofa wick of a vaping-alternative device may be in the range of betweenabout 80 mm³ to about 120 mm³, about 90 mm³ to about 110 mm³, about 100mm³ to about 105 mm³, or substantially 99 mm³. A total volume defined bya vaping-alternative device may be in the range of between about 10000mm³ to about 30000 mm³, about 15000 mm³ to about 25000 mm³, about 18000mm³ to about 22000 mm³, or substantially 20180 mm³.

As shown and described herein, a cap may be configured to receive andhold one or more wicks. A wick inserted into a cap of avaping-alternative device may utilize in the range of between about 2%to about 20%, about 5% to about 10%, about 2% to about 10%, about 1% toabout 10%, about 5% to about 9%, or substantially 7% of the volumedefined by the cap. Two wicks inserted into a cap of avaping-alternative device may utilize in the range of between about 4%to about 40%, about 10% to about 20%, about 12% to about 18%, about 5%to about 25%, or substantially 15% of the volume defined by the cap. Awick inserted into a vaping-alternative device may utilize in the rangeof between about 0.1% to about 0.6%, about 0.25% to about 0.75%, about0.4% to about 0.6%, about 0.1% to about 1%, about 0.1% to about 5%, 0.1%to about 2.5%, or substantially 0.5% of the volume defined by thevaping-alternative device. Two wicks inserted into a vaping-alternativedevice may utilize in the range of between about 0.5% to about 1.5%,about 0.75% to about 1.25%, about 0.5% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about2%, about 0.1% to about 5%, or substantially 1% of the volume defined bythe vaping-alternative device.

In any of the embodiments described herein, a cap may include one ormore indents or grooves so that a material (e.g., rubber, silicone,etc.) can be placed over an opening of the cap so that a user can bitethe cap or apply an at least partial force, vacuum, or pressure to thecap.

In any of the embodiments described herein, a housing may includebeveling or finger grooves for enhanced grip or ergonomic gripping ormay include a substantially flat, smooth, or unbeveled profile orsurface.

Any of the embodiments described herein may include one or more flavoredwicks, valves, or a combination thereof. The wicks and/or valves may beflavored through misting, dipping, dripping flavor onto the surface,spray coating, submersion, positioning in a chamber filled with or to befilled with a flavored gas, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of areservoir-less, vaping-alternative device. As shown, a reservoir-less,vaping-alternative device includes a cap 100, housing 170, and valveassembly 1000, each of which will be described in turn below.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various embodiments of caps, configured for usewith any of the vaping-alternative devices described elsewhere herein.FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a side and top view, respectively, of oneembodiment of a cap of a vaping-alternative device. Cap 100 defines afirst end 110 of cap 100, the first end 110 (also described herein asuser end or suction end) configured for interaction with a mouth of auser. Cap 100 further defines a second end 120 (also described herein asa cap coupling end) of cap 100, the second end 120 being reversiblycouplable to the housing 170 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7-8), at least insome embodiments. Cap 100 defines cavity 132 (shown in FIG. 4B), alsodescribed herein as a cap cavity or second cavity, which is in fluidcommunication with a first cavity or housing cavity when the second end120 of the cap 100 is coupled to the housing 170. One or more sidewalls140 a, 140 b define cap 100. Cap further includes male connector definedby sidewalls 144 a, 144 b for coupling to a female end of housing 170.FIG. 2C shows another embodiment of a cap 101 that includes a bitesection 103, such that a user may bite or suck on bite section 103. Bitesection 103 may comprise or be formed of, at least partially, silicone,rubber, or any other material known to one of skill in the art. FIG. 2Dshows another embodiment of a cap 105 that includes groove 150 which isconfigured to receive an O-ring, gasket, or similar sealing element tofirmly but reversibly couple cap 105 to a housing. FIG. 2E shows anotherembodiment of cap 105 that includes one or more indentations 155 thatcouple with a latch, or tab, on an interior surface of a housing. Whencap 105 is coupled with a housing, the latch, or tab, of the housingclicks into the one or more indentations 155, firmly coupling cap 105 tothe housing.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate various views of a cap of a vaping-alternativedevice. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, sidewalls 140, 144 define cap cavity132 and connect the first end 110 to the second end 120, as describedabove. The first end 110 of cap 100 defines a first aperture 150 and thesecond end 120 of cap 100 defines a second aperture 160. An at leastpartial vacuum pressure is applied by a user to the first aperture 150(also described herein as a user aperture), and the second aperture 160is couplable to the housing so that the cap cavity 132 defined by thecap is in fluid communication with a cavity defined by the housing whenthe cap is coupled to the housing. Cap 100 further includes at least oneslot 130 sized and shaped to receive and retain at least one wicktherein. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the at least oneslot 130 is coupled to an inner surface 146 of at least one of theplurality of sidewalls 140, 144. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, cap 100 includestwo slots 130, each sized and shaped to receive and retain a wicktherein. In such embodiments with two or more slots, the slots may becoupled to an inner surface of opposing sidewalls, adjacent sidewalls,or on the same sidewall. Each wick may be inserted into a slot throughslot end 130 b and vapors may at least partially exit wick inserted inslot 130 through slot end 130 a. Slot end 130 b may be at leastpartially or substantially sealed or closed after the wick is insertedto maintain wick in the slot. Slot end 130 a may include mesh, struts,spokes, etc. to allow vapor from wick to exit the slot and therefore thefirst end of the cap. In some embodiments of a cap 105, as shown in FIG.4A, slots 130 include slit 131 that extends between slot end 130 a andslot end 130 b. In some embodiments, slit 131 functions to allow moreair to interact with the wick for more vapor particles to be releasedupon application of the at least partial vacuum force. Additionally, oralternatively, slit 131 functions to receive a wick therethrough duringmanufacturing or assembly. In alternative embodiments, one or more wicksmay reside in a cavity defined by the housing. For example, inembodiments where the cap and housing form a monolithic component, oneor more wicks may be perceived as residing in a cavity defined by thehousing, a cavity defined by the cap, or in a cavity defined by thecombined cap and housing.

In any of the embodiments described herein, a wick may include or be atleast partially formed of condensed cotton, polyester fibers, or otherabsorbent material that has the ability to retain fluids when soaked.The wick may be pre-soaked, soaked during use, soaked during insertioninto the cap or housing, or otherwise soaked with a fluid. The fluid mayinclude or comprise an extract (e.g., natural plant extract, a syntheticextract, etc.), an essential oil, an oil (e.g., vegetable oil, coconutoil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, etc.) an alcohol, a base (e.g.,vegetable glycerin base), etc. or a combination thereof.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate various views and embodiments of a housing of avaping-alternative device. Housing 170 is configured to house a valveassembly and enable external air entering through the valve assembly toenter a cavity defined by the cap, so that the external air may interactwith the wick and therefore one or more fluids therein. Alternatively, avalve assembly may reside in a cap of a vaping-alternative device. Thehousing may comprise or be formed of aluminum, plastic, polyvinylchloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), plastic resins,polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG), etc. Housing170 defines a first cavity or a housing cavity 190 and includes a valveassembly at least partially therein. Housing 170 may be defined by aplurality of sidewalls 174, as shown in FIGS. 7-8. The housing cavity190 is in fluid communication with an environment external to thehousing 170 via the valve assembly. Housing cavity 190 may extend alength of housing 170, from a proximal end that couples to a cap to adistal end that comprises a base and/or valve assembly. In someembodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the housing may be rectangular inshape. However, as one will appreciate based on the embodimentsdescribed herein and based on the level of one of skill in the art, thehousing may be a circular shape, oval shape, square shape, hexagonalshape, etc. without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, housing 170 may furtherinclude base 180. Base 180 may include the valve assembly.Alternatively, any portion of housing 170 may include the valveassembly. In some embodiments, housing 170 and base 180 are monolithic;in other embodiments, housing 170 and base 180 are formed separately andeither reversibly or irreversibly coupled during manufacturing or use.Base 180 may be a circular or cylindrical shape while housing is arectangular shape. Although, as one of skill in the art will appreciate,without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the housing170 and base 180 may be the same shape or different shapes. For example,as shown elsewhere herein, base may also be a square or rectangle. Atransition point or section 178 between housing 170 and base 180 maygradually taper, transform, or become the shape of base 180. Forexample, transition section 178 may comprise a cone shape 184 togradually transition a shape of the housing to a shape 182 of the base.Alternatively, the transition point 178 between housing 170 and base 180may be abrupt or sharp such that transition point 178 is a connection orcoupling point between housing 170 and base 180. In embodiments in whichthe vaping-alternative device includes a base, the base 180 may bepositioned on an opposing end of the housing 170, opposite the cap 100when the cap 100 is coupled to the housing 170.

FIGS. 10A-14 illustrate various views and embodiments of a valveassembly 1000 of a vaping-alternative device. Valve assembly 1000includes a bottom portion 1006 and a top portion 1008. Valve 2000 (e.g.,pressure valve, silicone valve, umbrella valve, etc.), as shown in FIG.10C, is positioned between the top portion 1008 and the bottom portion1006. The bottom portion 1006 is configured to support the valve 2000,and a top portion 1008 is configured to apply a compressive force to thevalve 2000 positioned between the top and bottom portions 1008, 1006.Valve 2000 defines a deformable aperture 2010 that opens uponapplication of an at least partial vacuum force (through the firstaperture defined by the first end or user end of the cap 100) so thatthe housing cavity, defined by the housing, is in fluid communication oris in increased fluid communication with the external environment whenvalve 2000 is open. Valve 2000 further includes rim 2030 which isconfigured to rest on inner perimeter 1016 of a valve assembly bottomportion so that inner perimeter 1022 of a valve assembly top portionacts as a compressive force upon rim 2030 (shown in FIGS. 12-13). Valveassembly 1000 defines valve aperture 1004, which aligns with deformableaperture 2010, so that the housing cavity defined by housing is in fluidcommunication or increased fluid communication with an externalenvironment (i.e., air passes through valve deformable aperture, andthus the valve assembly aperture, when pressure is applied). In aresting state, no air is being pulled through the valve 2000, and thedeformable aperture 2010 remains in a closed position. In an activestate, a force of air being pulled through the valve 2000 exceeds acertain threshold, such that when enough force is present, the valve2000 at least partially opens, allowing for greater airflow to passtherethrough. As such, airflow through the valve is substantiallyunidirectional, for example from a bottom of the housing or from a baseof the housing up through a cap of the device. Application of the atleast partial vacuum force through the valve is configured to open thevalve 2000 to produce an audible sound. For example, the audible soundmay include a popping or clicking sound. The valve assembly 1000 isconfigured to allow air to enter the housing cavity and the cap cavityto interact with the at least one wick and exit the first end of the capwhen the cap is coupled to the housing.

More specifically, when a vacuum of an appreciable pressure is appliedat the suction end 110 of the cap 100, the deformable aperture 2010opens creating an audible sound and pulls external air into the housingcavity, defined by the housing. The pressure required to open thedeformable aperture 2010 may range from about 0.005 MPa to about 0.03MPa, from about 0.008 MPa to about 0.025 MPa, from about 0.01 MPa toabout 0.02 MPa, etc. It will be appreciated that the vacuum may have apressure larger than those stated, thereby allowing more air volume intothe housing cavity, passing through the one or more wicks and exitingthe suction end 110 of the cap 100. The deformable aperture 2010 remainsopen until the vacuum on the suction end 110 is released, and thedeformable aperture 2010 returns to a closed position. In otherembodiments, the valve 2000 may be configured using softer or hardermaterial in order to provide a range of pressures required to opendeformable apertures 2010 therein. For instance, a softer material mayrequire a smaller or lighter vacuum in order to open, and a hardermaterial may require a larger or harder vacuum in order to open, therebyallowing variability.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 11-12, bottom portion 1006 of valve assembly1000 includes inner perimeter 1016 and outer perimeter 1014 thattogether define groove 1012 therebetween. In some embodiments, as shownin FIG. 10B, a bottom portion 1007 defines aperture 1004 which includesgrating, netting, mesh, etc. 1005. Such mesh 1005 functions, at least inpart, to prevent removal of a valve from the assembly. Returning toFIGS. 11-12, valve 2000 rests in or on the groove 1012 when positionedin the valve assembly 1000.

As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, top portion 1008 of valve assembly 1000includes outer perimeter 1018 and inner perimeter 1022 and bevel 1024.The outer perimeter 1018 is shaped and sized to be received within ahousing 170 of a vaping-alternative device. An inner edge of surface1009 or surface 1009 of top portion 1008 of valve assembly contacts thevalve and applies a compressive force onto valve rim 2030 (shown in FIG.10C). As such, valve rim 2030 is positioned between surface 1009 andouter perimeter 1014 of bottom portion 1006 to secure the valve 2000between the top and bottom portions 1008, 1006, as shown in FIG. 14.Valve 2000 may be circular, square, rectangular, etc. in shape. Forexample, valve 2000 may match a shape of the housing or base or a shapeof valve 2000 may be independent of a shape of the housing or base.

FIG. 15 and FIGS. 16-17 illustrate various views of a rectangular and asquare embodiment, respectively, of a vaping-alternative device. Thevaping-alternative devices of FIGS. 15-17 are similar to that describedabove in FIGS. 1-14, including cap 1500 defining first 1510 and second1520 apertures; housing 1570 defining cavity 1590; and valve assembly1502 including a top portion 1508 and bottom portion 1506. However, inthis embodiment, housing 1570 includes a male coupling end 1592 forcoupling to a female coupling end of cap 1500. Further, valve assembly1502 includes one or more apertures 1504 defined by bottom portion 1506to allow fluid communication with external environment. In someembodiments, there is one aperture, for example a pinhole; in otherembodiments, there is more than one aperture.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 18-19, cap 1800 (defining first end1810 and second end 1820) may include a male coupling end 1892 forcoupling to a female coupling end of a housing, as in FIGS. 1-14.

FIGS. 20-21 illustrate another embodiment of a valve assembly includinga top portion 2008 and a bottom portion 2006. As shown in FIG. 21,bottom portion 2006 includes inner perimeter 2016 and outer perimeter2014 that together define groove 2012 therebetween on which a valverests. The valve assembly shown in FIGS. 20-21 define aperture 2004. Asshown in FIG. 20, top portion 2008 includes outer perimeter 2018 andinner perimeter 2022 and bevel 2024 that secures the valve in groove2012 of the bottom portion 2006 and between the top and bottom portions2008, 2006. As shown in FIGS. 20-21, the top and bottom portions 2008,2006 are complementary but different in shape, which differs from thevalve design of FIGS. 1-14, in which top and bottom portions arecomplementary and substantially the same shape.

FIGS. 22-23 illustrate another embodiment of a cap of avaping-alternative device. Cap 2200 includes coupling elements 2026comprising posts or flanges that are matingly received intocomplementary grooves or slots on an end of a housing to secure the capto the housing. Similar to other caps described herein, cap 2200includes a first end 2210 that defines first aperture 2050 and a secondend 2220 that defines a second aperture 2060.

FIGS. 24-25 illustrate another embodiment of a vaping-alternativedevice. In contrast to other embodiments described elsewhere herein,vaping-alternative device 2500 includes cap 2502 including a first end2210 which defines an aperture 2450; and a housing 2470. Valve assembly2400 is positioned between cap 2502 and housing 2470, either as a partof housing 2470 or as a part of cap 2502. In contrast to the wickembodiments described elsewhere herein, valve assembly 2400 may comprisea flavored valve (as opposed to or in addition to having wicks).

FIGS. 26-27 illustrate another embodiment of a valve of thevaping-alternative device of FIG. 24. Silicone valve 2600 (may or maynot be flavored) defines deformable aperture 2652 that flexes and atleast partially opens when an at least partial vacuum force is appliedto the valve 2600. Silicone valve holder 2700, as shown in FIG. 27,defines one or more slots 2654 that allow air from an externalenvironment to enter the cavity defined by the housing to interact withthe valve and pass to the mouth of the user.

FIGS. 28-29 illustrate another embodiment of a cap of avaping-alternative device. Cap 3300 includes a first end 2810 defining afirst aperture 2850 and a second end 2820 defining a second aperture2860. A second end 2820 of cap 3300, as shown in FIG. 29, graduallytapers to the first end 2810 of cap 3300. Further, as shown in FIGS.28-29, a first end 2810 of cap 3300 is substantially rectangular, whilea second end 2820 of cap 3300 is substantially circular. However, as oneof skill in the art will appreciate, in any of the embodiments describedherein, the first and second ends of the cap may have the same orsubstantially same profile or shape or a different profile or shape.

FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate a top and a bottom perspective view of oneembodiment of a bottom portion of a vaping-alternative device. Inconjunction with FIGS. 15-17, the valve assembly 1502, which can besquare or rectangular, is shown including the top portion 1508 andcoupled bottom portion 1506. The one or more apertures 1504 are definedby bottom portion 1506 to allow fluid communication with an externalenvironment. In some embodiments, there is one aperture, for example apinhole; in other embodiments there is more than one aperture.

FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.In contrast to other embodiments described elsewhere herein,vaping-alternative device 3200 includes cap 3205 including a first end3210 which defines an aperture 3215; and a housing 3220. Valve assembly3225 is positioned between cap 3205 and housing 3220, either as a partof housing 3220 or as a part of cap 3205. In contrast to the wickembodiments described elsewhere herein, valve assembly 3225 may comprisea flavored valve (as opposed to or in addition to having wicks). Asecond end of the housing 3220 defines one or more apertures 3240 thatallow fluid communication with the external environment. It will beappreciated that the second end 3230 may be integrated into the housing3220 or a mating piece, such as shown in FIGS. 31A-31B.

FIGS. 33A-33B illustrates a bottom and top perspective view of anotherembodiment of a valve of a vaping-alternative device. Silicone valve3300 may be positioned on an end of the housing 170 exposing a bottom3305 of the valve 3300. Silicone valve 3300 (may or may not be flavored)defines deformable aperture 3310 that flexes and at least partiallyopens when an at least partial vacuum force is applied to the valve3300, as described further herein. Deformable aperture 3310 may be aconcave section of the valve, as shown in FIG. 33A but may also beconvex or substantially planar. A top portion 3320 of silicone valve3300, as shown in FIG. 33B, defines an inner grove 3325 that couples thevalve 3300 to the housing 170. It will be appreciated that the siliconevalve 3300 may come in various flavors, such as mango, blue raspberry,minty watermelon, mint, watermelon, apple, banana, caramel, spearmint,peppermint, or any other flavoring known to one of skill in the art, andin various colors, such as clear, white, black, red, blue, green, pink,etc., that can be selected by a user.

FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment of a vaping-alternative device.In contrast to other embodiments described elsewhere herein,vaping-alternative device 3400 is monolithic that includes an integratedcap and housing. A valve assembly 3410 is coupled at a bottom of themonolithic device 3400.

FIGS. 35A-35B illustrate a top and bottom perspective view of anotherembodiment of a top portion 3510 of the valve assembly of thevaping-alternative device of FIG. 34. The top portion 3510 of FIG. 35Ais similar to that shown in FIG. 14, except that the top portion 3510includes outer rim 3530, a first inner perimeter 3515, and second innerperimeter 3520 that define a shelf 3525 that is configured to mate withthe bottom of the housing, such as housing 3400. A valve rim ispositioned between surface 3540 of the top portion and a bottom portion(shown in FIGS. 35A-35B) to secure the valve between the top and bottomportions and apply a force to the valve positioned between the top andbottom portions.

FIGS. 36A-36B illustrate a top and bottom perspective view of anotherembodiment of a bottom portion of the vaping-alternative device of FIG.34. As shown, bottom portion 3610 includes a first inner perimeter 3620and second inner perimeter 3630 on which a valve is positioned or rests.First inner perimeter 3620 of bottom portion 3610 mates with or iscomplementary to surface 3540 of the top portion of FIG. 35B, whichtogether sandwich a valve therebetween. One or more apertures 3640 aredefined by the bottom portion 3610. The bottom portion 3610 defines anouter perimeter 3660 that may include a circular ridge, oralternatively, a groove, that mates with the bottom of the housing, suchas the housing 3400. The bottom portion 3610 also serves to secure thevalve assembly within the housing. It will be appreciated that thebottom portions 3610 can be configured in various colors, such as clear,white, black, red, blue, green, pink, etc., that can be selected by auser.

Turning to FIG. 30, which shows a method 3000 of assembling areservoir-less vaping-alternative device of any of the precedingembodiments. Method 3000 includes providing a vaping-alternative deviceof any of the preceding embodiments described herein, at block S3010;soaking at least one wick in a fluid at block S3020; inserting the atleast one wick in the cap of the device at block S3030; and coupling thecap to the housing at block S3040.

In some embodiments, providing at block S3010 includes producing ahousing and a cap of the vaping-alternative device, of any of thepreceding embodiments, via injection molding, or other manufacturingmethods. In some embodiments, providing, additionally or alternatively,includes using an ultrawave or ultrasonic welding method (e.g., usingheat) of coupling the bottom and top portions of the valve assembly. Insome embodiments, providing, additionally or alternatively, includesusing an overmolding technique to include a soft, rubber mouth tip on afirst end of a cap of a vaping-alternative device.

In some embodiments, soaking at block S3020 includes soaking the atleast one wick in about 1 to about 10 drops, about 2 drops to about 8drops, about 3 drops to about 6 drops, about 3 drops to about 5 drops ofthe fluid. In some embodiments, a wick has the dimensions ofsubstantially 3 mm in diameter by about 10 mm length; about 2 mm byabout 15 mm; about 5 mm by about 15 mm; etc.

In some embodiments, inserting at block S3030 includes securing the atleast one wick in the at least one slot, such that when air flowsthrough the first and second cavities, the wick is retained by the atleast one slot. Securing may include at least partially closing or atleast partially blocking one or more ends of the slot, gluing the wickin the slot, ensuring the wick is sized to be snuggly received withinthe slot but not dislodged from the slot, etc.

In some embodiments, coupling at block S3040 includes snapping,threading, gluing, bonding, fitting, inserting etc. a second end of thecap to the housing.

In some embodiments, the method 3000 may include securing a base to ahousing of the vaping-alternative device. For example, securing mayinclude bonding, welding, soldering, coupling, snap-fitting, threading,etc.

As used in the description and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and“the” include both singular and plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “wick” may include,and is contemplated to include, a plurality of wicks. At times, theclaims and disclosure may include terms such as “a plurality,” “one ormore,” or “at least one;” however, the absence of such terms is notintended to mean, and should not be interpreted to mean, that aplurality is not conceived.

The term “about” or “approximately,” when used before a numericaldesignation or range (e.g., to define a length or pressure), indicatesapproximations which may vary by (+) or (−) 5%, 1% or 0.1%. Allnumerical ranges provided herein are inclusive of the stated start andend numbers. The term “substantially” indicates mostly (i.e., greaterthan 50%) or essentially all of a device, substance, or composition.

As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is intended to meanthat the devices and methods include the recited elements and mayadditionally include any other elements. “Consisting essentially of”shall mean that the devices and methods include the recited elements andexclude other elements of essential significance to the combination forthe stated purpose. Thus, a device or method consisting essentially ofthe elements as defined herein would not exclude other materials,features, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristic(s) of the claimed disclosure. “Consisting of” shall meanthat the devices and methods include the recited elements and excludeanything more than a trivial or inconsequential element or step.Embodiments defined by each of these transitional terms are within thescope of this disclosure.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way ofillustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. Other embodiments may be utilized andderived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions andchanges may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any single invention or inventive concept, if more thanone is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achievethe same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription.

1-2. (canceled)
 3. A reservoir-less vaping-alternative device,comprising: a housing defining a first cavity therein and comprising avalve assembly, wherein the first cavity is in fluid communication withan environment external to the housing via the valve assembly; a capdefining a second cavity and comprising: a first end defining a firstaperture, the first end being configured for interaction with a mouth ofa user, and a second end defining a second aperture, the second endbeing reversibly couplable to the housing, wherein the second cavity isin fluid communication with the first cavity when the second end iscoupled to the housing; and at least one wick configured to bepre-soaked in a fluid, wherein the at least one wick is positioned inthe cap.
 4. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 3,wherein at least one wick utilizes between about 5% to about 10% of thevolume defined by the cap.
 5. The reservoir-less vaping alternativedevice of claim 3, wherein the reservoir-less vaping-alterative devicecomprises two wicks that together utilize between about 10% to about 20%of the volume defined by the cap.
 6. The reservoir-lessvaping-alternative device of claim 3, wherein the housing furthercomprises a base that comprises the valve assembly.
 7. Thereservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 6, wherein the base ison an opposing end of the housing, opposite the cap when the cap iscoupled to the housing.
 8. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative deviceof claim 3, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve, a bottomportion configured to support the valve, and a top portion configured toapply a compressive force to the valve positioned between the top andbottom portions.
 9. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device ofclaim 8, wherein the valve is configured to open or close uponapplication of a partial vacuum force through the first aperture definedby the first end of the cap.
 10. The reservoir-less vaping-alternativedevice of claim 9, wherein application of the partial vacuum force isconfigured to open the valve to produce an audible sound.
 11. Thereservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 8, wherein the valvecomprises a pressure valve.
 12. The reservoir-less vaping-alternativedevice of claim 9, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow airto enter the first cavity and the second cavity to interact with the atleast one wick and exit the first end of the cap when the cap is coupledto the housing and the partial vacuum force is applied to the firstaperture defined by the first end of the cap.
 13. The reservoir-lessvaping-alternative device of claim 3, wherein the cap comprises aplurality of sidewalls that define the first cavity and connect thefirst end to the second end.
 14. The reservoir-less vaping-alternativedevice of claim 13, wherein the cap further comprises at least one slotconfigured to receive the at least one wick, wherein the at least oneslot is coupled to an inner surface of at least one of the plurality ofsidewalls. 15-20. (canceled)
 21. The reservoir-less vaping-alternativedevice of claim 3, wherein the at least one wick utilizes between about0.1% to about 1% of the volume defined by the vaping-alternative device.22. The reservoir-less vaping-alternative device of claim 9, wherein theat least partial vacuum force has a pressure that ranges from about0.005 MPa to about 0.03 MPa.